Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly has ordered the acceleration of Egypt's Universal Health Insurance system across all regions, targeting five provinces in its second phase, the cabinet said in a statement on Monday. He also reviewed efforts to attract investments to the Golden Triangle Economic Zone.
In a meeting held in the New Administrative Capital, Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly stated that President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi has directed the government to quicken the rollout of the Universal Health Insurance (UHI) system. The second phase will cover the provinces of Minya, Matrouh, Damietta, Kafr El-Sheikh, and North Sinai, with Alexandria also under consideration for inclusion.
"The state places the Universal Health Insurance system at the top of its priorities," Madbouly said, emphasizing that expansion depends on ensuring financial sustainability. He requested the Minister of Finance to provide additional resources for both the UHI system and the "Haya Karima" (Decent Life) initiative.
Health Minister Khaled Abdel Ghaffar presented a detailed plan for the second phase, expected to serve 13 million beneficiaries. The infrastructure includes 69 hospitals with 11,427 beds and 669 healthcare units and primary care centers, of which 516 are set for implementation under the second phase of the Decent Life initiative. The private sector is anticipated to supply 30% to 40% of total hospital beds. Inspections covered 110 facilities in Minya, 80 in North Sinai, and 40 in Matrouh.
Ihab Abu Aish, Vice Chairman of the UHI Authority, reported that as of November 30, 2025, the system had reached 5.2 million beneficiaries across six provinces in its first phase, with an average registration rate of 81.7%. Private sector providers make up 31% of the service network. Madbouly directed an integrated study of the system through 2030, including an updated actuarial analysis to ensure long-term service quality.
In a separate meeting, Madbouly reviewed efforts to attract investment to the Golden Triangle Economic Zone. He urged continued coordination between the Ministry of Petroleum and Mineral Resources and the Golden Triangle Authority to promote promising investment opportunities in mining and petroleum sectors to international companies. Petroleum Minister Karim Badawi stated the ministry will prepare a comprehensive inventory of investment opportunities to enhance the value-added potential of phosphate and other mineral ores. Yasser Ramadan, Chairman of the Egyptian General Authority for Mineral Resources, noted that the region contains approximately 95 mineral occurrences, representing 7.6% of Egypt's total mineral wealth, and highlighted the authority's role in regulating exploration and mining for optimal exploitation.